JUST when Liverpool appear to have acquired the knack of swatting aside the Premier League’s lesser lights, so the problem has emerged in Europe.

Dirk Kuyt ensured a landmark occasion for the Anfield outfit as they began their Champions League campaign with hard-earned victory over unheralded Hungarians Debrecen.

But it was a painstaking triumph that evoked memories of last season’s home league struggles for an increasingly frustrated home support.

Kuyt’s goal in first-half injury time extended his love affair with the Champions League and secured Liverpool their 100th win in Europe’s premier club competition.

The Dutchman has now netted 12 times in 35 European Cup appearances, moving him into third place alongside Terry McDermott in the club’s goal-scoring rankings in the competition.

Kuyt has prospered on the right flank during the past 18 months but, with Steven Gerrard again employed in a deeper role, he was back in a more central striking role behind Fernando Torres.

As at the weekend, his natural poaching instincts proved beneficial as Kuyt was first to the loose ball after Debrecen goalkeeper Vukasin Poleksic spilled a fierce Torres drive.

Given the concerns over Benitez’s striking alternatives, Kuyt has issued a timely reminder of his versatility.